Tag Archives: Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene Allgood AL 35013

How to Find the Right Dental Hygienist College near Allgood Alabama

Selecting the right dental hygienist training near Allgood AL is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than selecting the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other crucial factors to consider as well, including the college’s accreditation and reputation. Your first step is to decide which of the 2 specializations you are most interested in obtaining training for, which may depend on the amount of money and time that you have to invest. The most common dental assistant program usually takes about one year to complete for a diploma or certificate. On the other hand, dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, which can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. Obviously with the longer training of a dental hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let’s look at the roles of both dental hygienists and assistants and the training options offered.

The Job of a Dental Hygienist

When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the dental hygienist works more independently. As previously discussed, the dental assistant works with and assists the practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the Allgood AL practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:

Removing stains, tartar and plaque

Applying fluoride treatments

Polishing teeth and applying sealants

Educating patients about oral hygiene

Taking and developing X-rays

Removing sutures and applying fillings

In order to be licensed in almost all states, dental hygienists must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam as well as any state licensing exams. When they have completed these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

The Role of a Dental Assistant

Dental assistants are an important part of any Allgood AL dental practice and can undertake a variety of tasks. Their fundamental job description is to give support to the dentists and the administrative staff. Or simply put, to help keep the practice operating successfully. Many dental assistants elect to specialize and receive certification in a particular area, such as pediatrics. However most assistants carry out any duty that they are called upon to fulfill, including:

Scheduling and confirming appointments

Prepping patients for teeth treatments and cleanings

Sterilizing and preparing dental instruments

Clearing patients’ mouths with suction equipment

Providing instruments to dentists during procedures

Prepping X-ray machines and processing X-rays

Purchasing office and dental supplies

Licensing and certification requirements for dental assistants vary by state, so check with the Alabama dental board for your state’s policies. Assistants dealing with X-ray machines more than likely will have to be certified and licensed. Many dental assistants who are either required or decide to become certified take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam provided by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Dental Hygienist & Assistant Education Options

Dental assistant courses are available at Allgood AL area community colleges in addition to vocational or technical schools. The most frequent credential acquired is the certificate, which generally takes about one year to complete. There are less Associate Degree programs available, and they furnish a more comprehensive education, including general subjects in addition to the dental assistant courses. Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in dental offices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are also offered in Allgood AL area community colleges and technical schools. Regardless of whether you are pursuing training as a dental assistant or hygienist, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Training

Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a viable alternative for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Allgood AL home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools

Once you have selected the dental specialization and type of credential you want to earn, you can start the procedure of comparing Alabama schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online options also. Even though these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the Allgood AL area schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the Certified Dental Assistant exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Employers in Allgood AL typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited Alabama colleges.

Is The Proper Dental Program Available? You can opt to train to become a dental assistant or a dental hygienist, just make sure that the Alabama college you choose offers the program that you want. For the assistant program, the alternatives are to earn either a certificate or an Associate Degree. If you want to earn a living as a hygienist, many Allgood AL dental offices require an Associate Degree in dental hygiene. More advanced degrees, although not prevalent, are available. However, bear in mind that even if a school has a good reputation and accreditation does not mean each one of its programs do as well. For example, an accredited school may have a strong accredited dental assistant program, but might have a weaker or non-accredited hygienist program. So if you are solely interested in a dental hygiene degree, obviously it would not be the best school for you.

Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the program you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the Allgood AL program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real Allgood AL dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the local dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygiene programs require help landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Allgood AL dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.

Are Classes Small? Find out from the Alabama colleges you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.

What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don’t forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in Allgood AL.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental college, you need to confirm that the hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near your Allgood AL home in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Dental Hygienist?

When getting ready to interview for a Dental Hygienist job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask Dental Hygienist applicants is "What compelled you to pick Hygiene as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming a Dental Hygienist, but also what qualities and abilities you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to Hygiene, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should ready some strategies about how you would like to answer them. Because there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you have that make you an excellent Dental Hygienist and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Pick the Right Dental Hygienist School near Allgood AL

Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the CDA exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training or credential you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Allgood AL.

A Bit About Allgood Alabama

Allgood, Alabama

Allgood, formerly known as Chepultepec, is a town in Blount County, Alabama, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 622.[3]

The town's name comes from a family of homesteaders from South Carolina who settled in the area in the early 19th century.[4]

Allgood is located in south-central Blount County at 33°54′15″N 86°30′59″W﻿ / ﻿33.90417°N 86.51639°W﻿ / 33.90417; -86.51639 (33.904216, -86.516428).[5] It is in the Murphree Valley, with Straight Mountain to the southeast and Red Mountain and Sand Mountain to the northwest. Alabama State Route 75 passes through the town, leading northeast 3 miles (5 km) to Oneonta, the county seat, and southwest 38 miles (61 km) to Birmingham.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.0 square mile (2.6 km2), all land.

I have extensive experience, the most recent, mom a dentist and dad a pilot in USAF ... They all have different needs, abilities, strengths, weaknesses & are all good kids. There's no such thing as a ...

Marla J. Gold, MD, is Dean Emerita and Professor of Health Management and Policy at the Drexel University. Dr. Gold has dedicated her career to understanding and creating integrated systems of health ...